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HILO, Hawaiʻi - The unique 3C Goat Grazing pilot project could be a launching point for a new form of weed control across Hawaiʻi County park facilities.

(BIVN) – A herd of goats will soon be munching the brush in a large area adjacent to the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields.

The Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation announces that on July 16, 2019, 3C Goat Grazing will be clearing the land in a new a pilot project.

“Since goats are essentially natural weed whackers, putting them to work in our parks is hearty for the goats and good for the environment,” said Roxcie Waltjen, Director of Parks and Recreation.

A county news release says:

The department already works with groups known as “Friends of the Park” at various facilities throughout the island in an effort to reduce the use of pesticides, and this new project will increase the department’s arsenal of natural park maintenance.

“If this pilot project is successful, we will look to utilize this form of weed control at other park facilities throughout the island,” Waltjen said.

The county says the goats “will be in a fenced area during the pilot project and a herder will be with the goats throughout the duration of the project.”

“The department asks the public to not approach the fencing while the goats graze in the area,” the news release says.